Capitol Police arrest a protester during the Solidarity Singalong. (File Photo: Andrew Beckett)
A rule is adopted, regarding protests at the state Capitol. Nearly a year ago, U.S. District Judge William Conley struck down portions of a policy aimed at controlling demonstrations at the state Capitol building. Now the Joint Committee for Administrative Rules has approved a temporary rule.
Representative Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie), a committee member who voted against that, said there will still need to be a public hearing. “So that we can make sure that all the interest parties . . . have their say, to confirm that in fact the permanent rule is in compliance with the court order of Judge Conley.”
Hebl contends that the rule as adopted on Tuesday does not comply with Judge Conley’s order – and that the whole issue will likely end up in court yet again. “We’re wasting the state’s money on silly things like not allowing people to sing in the state Capitol.”
In the meantime, the daily “solidarity” sing-alongs continue over the noon hour in the building.